Ballajura student a finalist in WA Young Achiever Awards

Ballajura student a finalist in the WA Young Achiever Awards

Ballajura Community College’s Year 12 College Captain James Fazio has been announced as a finalist in the 2016-2017 WA Young Achiever Awards.

The Awards acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of young people in Western Australia.

Sixteen-year-old James was nominated by Fran Duggan, his Politics and Law teacher, for the School Drug Education and Road Aware Health and Wellbeing category.

“This Award recognises young people who seek to improve a community or individual’s health and wellbeing,” she said. “James has consistently demonstrated this by leading others towards healthier and safer lives.

“He is a great student who deserves this recognition.”

James is passionate about creating a healthier and safer College community through education about making smarter, healthier choices. As a Year 11 he took on a leadership role in the promotion of mental health issues and was instrumental in introducing the Zero2Hero program to the College.

“Last year I took part in a Zero2Hero Camp to upskill in the area of mental health issues,” James said. “Zero2Hero educates youth on what mental health is and aims to empower students on ways to speak up for themselves and others.

“This year I invited the Zero2Hero coordinator to the school so that other students could learn more about issues relating to mental health.”

Ms Duggan said James relished the opportunity to offer empathy, humanity and compassion to other young people.

“His outstanding level of dedication, passion and commitment at such a young age is worthy of recognition,” she said.

“I entered James in this category because I feel he is the true embodiment of the award. He is an articulate quiet achiever and is committed to bringing positive change to the College.”

James is studying five ATAR subjects and a Certificate III in Music. He is a student councillor and is also a member of the College’s Amnesty Club, which raises funds for the world refugee crisis and the Red Cross.

After school he volunteers with St John Ambulance as a Cadet Event Health Officer, stationed at various sporting and cultural events.

“I like to keep myself busy,” James said. “When I want to relax I like to write and play music.

“Next year I plan to go to university to study medicine so I will apply to study at UWA.

“I am excited about being a finalist in the WA Young Achiever Awards and it is a great opportunity to be able to further promote the issue of mental health.”

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Pan Pacific on May 21.